Taking a monkey from the forest is wrong. Buying and selling them is wrong. But the biggest crime of all is maltreating or abandoning them.
We publish in English and Spanish. Spanish translations are by Gabriela. We welcome visitors. Our e-mail address is
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Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Chasing games and mock battles.

Here at Canaote we have an unrivaled opportunity to compare monkey life in the wild with their lives in semi captivity. My first observation would be that Howler monkeys in semi captivity are much more athletic than their counterparts in the wild. Rapidly circling their walkways, use of swings and general vigorous interaction in play, is typical behavior. Chasing games and mock battles take up a good part of their day. The monkey in the wild sleeps more and generally lives a more leisurely life.

I have previously remarked on how much time a very young Howler demands. Maria Teresa is only four months old and is bottle fed, she demands human company 24 hours a day.

She becomes very agitated if she is left alone or put in a secure environment.

This of course means that she is on my shoulder all day. As you can see from the photograph, this includes when I am shaving. Now shaving soap does not taste good. But I have yet to meet a monkey who does not want to eat it. It makes shaving difficult.

Meal times can be riotous. Particularly when Maria Teresa's favorite is on the table. You see her in our picture, launching herself into a plate of Spaghetti.

Naturally, when we have a baby in our care,our movements are severely restricted. Trips to the town for shopping have to be carefully planned to make sure that we have a suitable baby sitter. The monkey having bonded to one individual, does not take kindly to being dumped on someone else. When I return form my infrequent trips, I am greeted with great joy.